95 Alpha 1 Steering Slack

[kev_79]

Engine is 5.0L and it has power steering. I can turn the steering wheel about 5 or so degrees (maybe 1 inch in travel) without turning the boat. It doesn't seem to be a very big issue when going fast, but going slowly, it is very annoying. I know there is a way to adjust this out on a automobile, so I assume there is a way on a boat. Can you point me in the right direction?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Kevin

 

[Don S]

Re: 95 Alpha 1 Steering Slack

Ya better learn to live with it, because that is the way single prop drives act, and there is no way of getting all the play out of them. You could go the hydraulic steering like the SeaStar system, but you will still have steering wander with a single prop drive. Only it will be easier to steer.<br />Over correcting is the biggest problem. Make small movements and allow the boat to catch up before attempting another correction. It just takes practice, and don't even think it will steer like a car ........... it ain't gonna happen.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 95 Alpha 1 Steering Slack

cars mostly steer from the front and drag the back, boats steer from the transom and push the bow. idle speed wander is a part of what is called "bow" steer. happens with 90% of all boats.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: 95 Alpha 1 Steering Slack

What year and type motor and drive is it? Although 1 inch of movement at the wheel doesnt sound bad, an inch of movement at the drive could be a problem. If the boat is on a trailer check for slack at the drive [left to right]. If its tight, well then, what Don S and rodbolt said. If its loose visual inspection of steering linkage is necessary.

 

[kev_79]

Re: 95 Alpha 1 Steering Slack

Thanks for the replys all. I can certainly live with the wandering, I was just concerned with the slack in the wheel. I thought that was what was causing it. To me, it seems like driving an old tractor or something with bad tie rod ends. <br /><br />As far as the outdrive, there is no slack at all in it. That's why this confused me, like it was all in the rack. On my pickup, though it's not rack and pinion, I can adjust how tightly the worm gear is on the gear it meshes, and it will take the play out of your steering wheel (not always a good thing). The boat only has 133 hours on it, so I didn't suspect wear, I just thought it might be adjustment.<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Kevin